The Ultimate Guide to Kentucky Distillery Mashbills

Crafting the perfect bourbon isn't easy. Some call it an art form, others compare it to a tireless pursuit of engineering, but at the heart of every exceptional bourbon lies something common, a superior mash bill. In the rolling hills of Kentucky, distilleries blend grains to create signature mash bills that define their unique flavors. Join us on a journey as we venture through some of our favorite distilleries with our ultimate guide to Kentucky whiskey mash bills. Here we explore the craftsmanship behind some of the most renowned bourbons in the world and their secret recipes... the whiskey mash bill.

Unlocking the Essence of Bourbon: The Mash Bill

Every bourbon enthusiast knows that the mash bill is the blueprint for a bourbon's flavor profile. It's the carefully selected combination of grains - typically corn, rye, and malted barley - that sets each bourbon apart. In Kentucky, where bourbon is a way of life, distilleries take pride in their mash bills, each one a closely guarded secret passed down through generations. But some secrets aren't meant to be kept, and while a few of them will remain shrouded in mystery, we've done our best to pull the curtain back and deep dive into the details of some of KY's favorite whiskey-makers.

Buffalo Trace Mashbills: A Legacy of Excellence

As one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky, Buffalo Trace has perfected the art of bourbon making over centuries. Their distillates are known by 2 primary mash bills, featuring a higher percentage of rye and a low-rye, depending on which side of the scale a particular whiskey sits on.

The low-rye, which includes classics such as Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Colonel Taylor, Stagg and Eagle Rare, is believed to be composed of a mash bill of 10% rye, ~15% malted barley, and 75% corn, while the higher rye, known for Blanton’s, Elmer T. Lee and Rock Hill Farms single barrels, is 12-15% rye, 75% corn and 10-13% malted barley.

Of course, there is also the best-kept secret of their ‘wheated’ mash, which has produced cult classic whiskeys from the Weller line, though this is harder to ascertain, along with the pure rye mash bill that’s produced Thomas H. Handy and Sazerac vintages.

Woodford Reserve Mashbill: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Nestled in the heart of horse country, Woodford Reserve stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon. With a mash bill consisting of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, Woodford Reserve delivers a smooth and balanced flavor with hints of dried fruit and spice.

Their flagship bottle, Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, boasts an ABV of 45.2% (90.4-proof) and is a staple in any bourbon lover's collection. Look out for limited edition releases like the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection, which showcases innovative expressions crafted with precision and care. 

Maker's Mark Mashbill: Handcrafted Elegance

In the quaint town of Loretto, Maker's Mark upholds a tradition of handcrafted bourbon that dates back to the 1950s. Their mash bill, known for its unique inclusion of red winter wheat, delivers a soft and mellow flavor that sets Maker's Mark apart and increases its drinkability exponentially.

With a mash bill of 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley, Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky embodies elegance in every sip. Look for their iconic red wax-sealed bottles, a hallmark of craftsmanship and quality that bourbon enthusiasts worldwide recognize and appreciate.

Wild Turkey Mashbill: Bold and Timeless

For those who prefer their bourbon with a bit of a kick, Wild Turkey offers a bold flavor experience. With a higher rye content in their mash bill, Wild Turkey bourbons pack a punch that's both memorable and satisfying.

Wild Turkey 101, featuring a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, boasts a robust flavor profile with notes of caramel and spice. Whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails, Wild Turkey's iconic taste leaves a lasting impression on discerning palates.

Jim Beam Mashbill: A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation

Jim Beam, one of the most iconic names in bourbon, boasts a mash bill that's steeped in tradition yet open to innovation. With a mash bill featuring a higher proportion of corn, Jim Beam bourbons offer a sweet and mellow flavor profile that's beloved by enthusiasts worldwide. They have two signature mashbills, a low-rye mash that sits at around 13% rye with 75% corn and 12% malted barley, and a high-rye mash where rye is closer to 27%.

The exact mash bill proportions are closely guarded secrets, but what's known is that Jim Beam's flagship bourbon, Jim Beam White Label, delivers a smooth and approachable taste with notes of caramel and oak.

For those seeking a bit more complexity, expressions like Jim Beam Black Label and Jim Beam Double Oak offer richer flavors and deeper complexity, making them perfect for savoring on special occasions.

Heaven Hill Mashbill: Crafting Excellence Since 1935

Heaven Hill Distillery has been crafting exceptional bourbon for nearly a century, and their mash bill reflects a commitment to quality and consistency.

With a higher rye content in their mash bill, Heaven Hill bourbons possess a bold and spicy flavor profile that's both distinctive and memorable. Perhaps Heaven Hill's most iconic brand, Elijah Craig is an interesting insight into their bourbon-making, with the flagship Elijah Craig mash composed of 78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye.

Bottles like Evan Williams Black Label and Elijah Craig Small Batch showcase the hallmark flavors of Heaven Hill, with rich caramel notes and a hint of peppery spice.

Keep an eye out for limited releases like Heaven Hill's Parker's Heritage Collection, which offers connoisseurs a chance to experience rare and unique expressions crafted with unparalleled attention to detail.

Bardstown Bourbon Mashbill: A New Player with Old Soul

Bardstown Bourbon Company may be a newcomer to the Kentucky bourbon scene, but their dedication to quality and innovation is evident in every bottle, and what’s interesting about their pursuit of quality in every bottle? Almost every line that emerges from Bardstown has a bespoke mashbill. Whether it’s the Origin Series with a 36% high-rye base (51+% corn), or their Fusion Series, which combines multiple blends of different mashbills - e.g. Fusion 8 is 58% (Corn 75% / Rye 21% / Malted Barley 4%), 12% (Corn 70% / Rye 18% / Malted Barley 12%) and 30% (Corn 78% / Rye 10% / Malted Barley 12%). The Fusion series, where Bardstown blends sourced bourbon with its own distillate, showcases the versatility of mash bills and the depth of their stores and reserves.

A. Smith Bowman Mashbill: Virginia's Hidden Gem

While you may be forgiven for thinking A. Smith Bowman has its own unique proprietary mashbill, a lot of its whiskey is sourced initially from Buffalo Trace and then goes through a final distillation process on-site in Virginia. As such, it is believed to share the same mashbill as Buffalo Trace’s 10% rye, ~15% malted barley, and 75% corn.

Their flagship expression, Bowman Brothers Small Batch, showcases the distillery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, with notes of honey, oak, and baking spices. For a truly exceptional experience, seek out limited releases like A. Smith Bowman Abraham Bowman, which offer innovative expressions crafted with precision and care.

Why are Mashbills so important?

As the bourbon renaissance continues to flourish, distilleries in Kentucky are embracing innovation while honoring tradition. It's for this reason that the mashbill becomes so important, as a vessel for both pushing the boundaries of conventional whiskey-making, and paying homage to the heritage of whiskey. From small-batch releases to experimental mash bills, the future of Kentucky bourbon is as exciting as it is diverse.

Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your bourbon journey, exploring the world of Kentucky distillery mash bills is sure to ignite your passion for this timeless spirit.

In conclusion, Kentucky distillery mash bills are the foundation of exceptional bourbon, each one telling a unique story of craftsmanship and tradition. From Woodford Reserve's balanced elegance to Wild Turkey's bold flavor, the diversity of mash bills in Kentucky offers something for every bourbon lover to savor. So raise a glass to the spirit of Kentucky bourbon and embark on a journey of discovery through the ultimate guide to mash bills. Cheers!